All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(8225 products available)
Ready to Ship
Copper sheets are available in various types based on their composition and application requirements. Here are the most common types of copper sheet materials often found in settings that demand durability, workability, and corrosion resistance.
Copper sheet
Copper sheets are widely used across construction and electrical sectors. Pure copper often has 99.9% copper composition with 0.1% trace elements. This metallic sheet has exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. This durability makes it ideal for roofing, wiring, and plumbing applications. Despite these refinements, pure copper is softer and more malleable, often requiring reinforcement or alloying for applications that require toughness. It is usually available in gauges and thicknesses, making it functional for precision machining to large-scale architectural components.
Copper alloy sheet
Copper alloy sheets combine copper with other metals like zinc, nickel, tin, or aluminum for enhanced strength. Each alloy is tailored for a specific use. For instance, brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, includes strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for marine and architectural applications. Bronze, consisting primarily of copper and tin, is renowned for its toughness, wear resistance, and non-magnetic properties, often employed in gears, bearings, and maritime hardware. Nickel-silver, which contains copper, nickel, and zinc, is valued for its corrosion resistance and aesthetic qualities. This alloy usually runs into decorative items, marine gears, and utensils without the risk of rusting.
Electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper sheet
ETP copper is the grade high purity copper to 99.9% copper with only a minimum of 0.02% oxygen. It is a standard for electrical applications. Due to its high conductivity, this copper is often used in the manufacture of electrical wiring, bus bars, and components used in electronic devices. It is also resistant to corrosion but can develop a patina over time if exposed to the elements. ETP copper is easy to work with, which makes it a popular choice in the electrical and construction industries.
The OFHC sheet is a type of copper sheet that is highly enriched in purity, with 99.95% of its copper content. It is virtually oxygen-free for maximum electrical and thermal conductivity. It is primarily used for technological applications where superior conductivity and long-term material stability are vitally important. This includes fiber-optic systems and particle accelerators.
Red brass sheet
Red brass includes approximately 85% copper with zinc and a small amount of nickel and tin. This composition provides enhanced strength, corrosion resistance, and improved workability properties. The reddish hue comes from its high copper content. This makes it ideal for both structural and decorative applications. Red brass sheets are often used in plumbing fixtures, marine hardware, and architectural elements requiring durability and resistance to seawater corrosion.
Architectural bronze sheet
Architectural bronze is typically an alloy of 60% copper, 40% zinc, and 5% tin. It is designed specifically for building and construction applications. The high copper content retains an attractive reddish-brown color while the zinc and tin enhance the alloy's strength and corrosion resistance. Architectural bronze sheets are commonly used in architectural details like doors, windows, railings, and other exterior applications where both aesthetic value and resistance to weather elements are required.
Copper sheets possess distinctive features that account for their wide applicability across construction as well as high-tech industries. Here are some features of thin copper sheets:
Corrosion resistance
Corrosion resistance allows copper sheets retain their integrity over time even under exposure to water, air, and other corrosive substances. This feature makes copper ideal for plumbing, roofing, outdoor sculptures, and electrical connectors used in marine environments.
Thermal and electrical conductivity
One of the most important properties of copper sheets is conductivity. Copper sheets are effective heat as well as electricity conductors. Due to this property, they are extensively used in electrical applications like wiring, circuit boards, and components. Thermal conductivity enables copper sheets to be used in heat sinks and cooling systems in electronics as well.
Workability and forming
Copper sheets are malleable and easily formable into different shapes without breaking or cracking. This makes the alloy usable in diverse applications, including architectural elements, decorative items, and industrial components. Besides, the sheets can be easily cut, shaped, soldered, and welded.
Aesthetic properties
Copper's distinct reddish-brown color gives it unmatched aesthetic values for architectural and artistic applications. When polished to a shine or allowed to patina, copper sheets can produce a range of visually appealing finishes. This feature makes copper popular for designers and artists.
Antimicrobial properties
The EPA has confirmed that copper and its alloys kill more than 99% of bacteria within 2 hours of contact, including pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, and MRSA. This property makes copper sheets ideal for high-touch surfaces in healthcare settings, such as hospital fixtures and antimicrobial door hardware, where reducing the risk of infection is paramount.
Recyclability
Copper sheets can be recycled without loss of quality to the material. This makes copper a sustainable choice for both environmental and economic reasons. Its recyclability contributes to the circular economy, reducing waste and the need for virgin materials.
Light copper sheets are useful in a wide variety of industries. They are valued for their workability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic qualities. Here are the common uses of copper sheets:
Construction and architecture
Copper sheets are popularly used in roofing, gutters, downspouts, and cladding, particularly in historical or high-end buildings. Their resistance to corrosion ensures longevity and minimal maintenance, making them ideal for exterior applications exposed to the elements. Over time, copper develops a patina that enhances its appearance and further protects against corrosion. This property makes copper a staple material in both functional and decorative architectural elements.
Electrical applications
Copper sheets, especially electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) and oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper, are normally used in electrical applications like circuit boards, connectors, and electronic components. Their high conductivity allows copper sheets to efficiently transfer electricity, making them indispensable in electronics, renewable energy systems like solar panels, and electrical wiring.
Art and design
Copper sheets are a popular choice among artists and designers for creating sculptures, jewelry, and as part of mixed media artwork. Their malleability allows easy shaping and detailing, while the metal’s natural beauty and ability to patina over time give artistic pieces a dynamic and appealing look. In interior design, copper sheets are also used for decorative elements like wall panels, light fixtures, and furniture, adding a warm and stylish touch to contemporary and classic designs alike.
Industrial applications
Copper sheets are useful in a variety of industrial applications like machinery components, heat exchangers, and automotive parts. Their excellent thermal conductivity enables them to efficiently transfer heat in systems like radiators and air conditioning units. Besides, copper’s resistance to wear and corrosion makes it suitable for components that operate in demanding environments or require frequent motion.
Medical and antimicrobial surfaces
Because of its natural antimicrobial properties, copper is useful in healthcare settings for surfaces like doorknobs, handles, and hospital equipment. Copper's ability to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens within a short time span reduces the risk of infection in medical facilities. This property makes copper sheets a vital component in infection control and hygiene improvement methods in hospitals and clinics.
Manufacturing and DIY projects
Copper sheets are a staple in hobbyist and professional DIY projects. Primarily due to their easy workability and availability. Copper can be easily soldered, glued, or riveted, making it ideal for home repairs, crafts, and custom-made items. Whether creating bespoke hardware, repairing vintage items or undertaking arts and crafts projects, copper sheets offer versatility and durability for a myriad of hands-on applications.
Choosing the right-grade copper sheet for a particular business application demands close consideration of the type of copper sheet and other factors. Below are some of those factors:
Gauge or thickness
The thickness of the copper sheet will determine its flexibility, malleability, and strength. A thinner gauge is useful for detailed work like metal crafts or electronics. Hire a thicker sheet for construction, industrial use, or areas where the sheet will be molded into shape.
Surface finish
Copper sheets are available with varying surface finishes. These include brushed, polished, or bare metal. Each one has its distinctive aesthetic and functional characteristics. Polished copper gives a shiny look. This makes it ideal for decorative uses. Brushed finish gives the copper a textured surface. This makes it ideal for grip in architectural applications. A patina finish provides a tarnished look achieved over time naturally. This adds a protective layer resistant to further corrosion.
Purity and alloy composition
If the copper sheet of a low alloy grade does not meet business specifications, they should go for a high-purity copper sheet. OFHC and ETP copper sheets are the most appropriate for electronic or high-precision applications. For structural components or parts exposed to extreme temperatures, copper foil sheets alloyed with other metals may be required.
Thermal and electrical applications
Other things to consider when choosing copper sheets are the application requirements. Copper sheets are highly conductive. They are ideal for electrical wiring and electronic components. They are also great for heat sinks and cooling systems. Hire a copper sheet for architectural applications. It is long-lasting in roofing, gutters, and outdoor decorations. For medical and anti-microbial surfaces, copper sheets are ideal for hospital equipment or high-touch surfaces.
Availability and source
Last but not least, the business should choose a reputable vendor with copper sheets readily available in stock in required quantities. The quality and consistency of the copper material are highly impacted by the source. Therefore, it is recommended that businesses settle for a vendor that uses ethical mining practices and an environmentally friendly process in manufacturing copper sheets.
A1. C11000 is a grade that has 99.9% copper composition and minimal 0.1% other metals. It is preferred for electrical applications like wiring and circuit boards because of its high conductivity. C12200 has slightly lower copper content with trace amounts of lead or other metals for better machinability. It is ideal for industrial applications where pressure, molding, or machining are key factors. While both grades are high-purity copper, C11000 is better for high-tech applications. At the same time, C12200 is ideal for mechanical processes.
A2. Yes, copper sheets have a high melting point. Since they are made of pure copper or alloy, copper sheets have a high melting point of approximately 1,984°F (1,085°C). This property makes them ideal for applications involving heat and resistants.
A3. Copper sheets have natural antimicrobial properties. They are ideal for high-touch products in medical and sanitary environments. Copper can kill bacteria and pathogens within 2 hours of contact. This makes it a vital component in controlling infections. Copper sheets are ideal for door handles, push plates, and high-contact surfaces in hospitals, clinics, and public spaces.
A4. Copper sheets are ideal for electrical applications due to their high conductivity. Two common grades are especially suited for these applications. ETP copper (C11000) is a staple for general electrical applications, including wiring and circuits, due to its high purity. OFHC copper (C12000) takes it a step further by virtually eliminating oxygen, making it ideal for high-precision electronic components and systems where long-term stability is essential.
